A perpetual calendar of what to expect when you're NOT expecting.

Today is International Women’s Day and while I recognize that it is wonderful and necessary to allocate a specific day to recognize the contributions and tribulations of women all over the world, I honestly feel like every day is women’s day. I suppose this mostly stems from the fact that my invention, business and day-to-day existence revolves around empowering women across the globe.

Ever since I committed myself and livelihood to this enterprise of providing young women with information about all the phases of the menstrual cycle, I have been cognizant that this applies to ALL women across this lovely planet we call home. Menstrucation (a new word coined to combine menstruation and education) is a global issue and many people wrongly assume that women in the developed world are well-informed. Unfortunately, that is a gross overstatement and to perpetuate it does everyone a disservice. While it is true that some women, regardless of where they are located, possess detailed knowledge, that is often the exception and not the norm. These educated girls were exceptionally lucky because they spent time with a caring and forthright teacher, parent, sibling, friend, mentor or relation who recognized the importance of explaining the cycle in correct and factual detail. In my experience, most people are uncomfortable discussing periods and thus they rush the lesson(s) or joke around during it. In a perfect world, all girls would enjoy a thorough education regarding their amazing bodies and would receive this in a setting that is conducive to discussion and not embarrassment. We all know that the world is not perfect and so my mission is ongoing.

Today it came to my attention that the marvellous Annie Lennox has launched a #GlobalFeminism initiative and I am fully onboard with this as menstrucation is a global issue. Check out the recently released video highlighting the need for this campaign.

There are thousands of events happening in my city and around the world today to celebrate International Women’s Day. Regrettably I am under the weather and staying home but I wonder, are you doing anything special today in honour of International Women’s Day?

Valentines Day is a celebration mainly of romantic love but love of all kinds deserve honour and celebration.

Why not celebrate the magnificent young woman that is your daughter (niece, student, cousin, little sister, - insert any relationship where you care and want her to be prepared and confident) with a gift that will keep on giving for months and months to come, literally?

A Female Empowerment Bracelet is a thoughtful gift when passed down from an older woman to a young woman just as she begins to mature and bloom. When the wisdom of experience is shared, the receiver will benefit greatly. Adolescence is a transitional phase which is often fraught with anxiety and many questions and often misinformed answers from well-meaning peers. Giving her a bracelet that she can carry away with her and investigate at her own leisure as she becomes more fully aware of the changes within her on a cyclical basis can erase some of the anxiety and answer important questions. There is peace of mind for both giver and receiver in such crucial matters as female fertility and a healthy body consciousness and self-image. Understanding how her body is working and what to expect when she's NOT expecting is vital information that all young women should receive. By giving her a Feby bracelet you are gifting her with the profound knowledge that you care and want nothing more than for her to live an informed life making decisions that are in her best interests.

The above picture shows a coming-of-age valentine gift which includes:

A DivaCup and some DivaWash, because it's never to early to start with the best.

A few chocolates because it wouldn't be Valentines without chocolate and who needs an excuse for chocolate anyway?

3 Love Tokens to be redeemed for a massive bear hug, a dinner and movie night and a girl talk.

The total price of this gift is $65 Canadian and will last far longer than these equally priced and unimaginative gift items (however lovely they may be). Flowers wither and die, chocolates get consumed rather quickly and unhealthy and perfume is delightful but undoubtedly won't have the same profound and positive effect as our suggested gift from the period fairy.

Feby Inc. is based in Canada and with the exchange rate being what it is, a Female Empowerment Bracelet can be purchased and including shipping will cost the giver less than $10 US.

What are you waiting for? Order one today and make your own empowering gift basket for that special young woman.

The cycle of the moon and the menstrual cycle are closely linked. Below please find the current moon phase. Check what colour bead you're on and then follow along with your bracelet and the moon to gain an even greater understanding of how we are connected.

Code Red is an organization that serves to provide personal care and feminine products to homeless women, while promoting awareness surrounding menstrual hygiene as well as global dangers that affect women at large.